Battery System
BATTERY SYSTEMThe battery, starting, and charging systems in the vehicle operate with one another and must be tested as a complete system. In order for the engine to start and the battery to maintain its charge properly, all of the components that are used in these systems must perform within specifications. It is important that the battery, starting, and charging systems be thoroughly tested and inspected any time a battery needs to be charged or replaced. The cause of abnormal battery discharge, overcharging or early battery failure must be diagnosed and corrected before a battery is replaced and before a vehicle is returned to service. However, when attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it is important that you keep their interdependency in mind.
The diagnostic procedures used for the battery, starting, and charging systems include the most basic conventional diagnostic methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere ammeter, a volt/ohmmeter, a battery charger, a carbon pile rheostat (load tester) and a 12-volt test lamp may be required. All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in electronic memory for any failure it detects. Refer to Charging System for the proper charging system on-board diagnostic test procedures.
MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER
The Micro 420 automotive battery tester is designed to help the dealership technicians diagnose the cause of a defective battery. If the instruction manual is not available refer to the standard procedure, which includes the directions for using the Micro 420 battery tester.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
Any of the following conditions can result in abnormal battery discharging:
1. A faulty or incorrect charging system component. Refer to Charging System for additional charging system diagnosis and testing procedures.
2. A faulty or incorrect battery. Use Micro 420 battery tester and refer to Battery System for additional battery diagnosis and testing procedures.
3. A faulty circuit or component causing excessive ignition-off draw.
4. Electrical loads that exceed the output of the charging system. This can be due to equipment installed after manufacture, or repeated short trip use.
5. A faulty or incorrect starting system component. Refer to Starting System for the proper starting system diagnosis and testing procedures.
6. Corroded or loose battery posts and/or terminal clamps.
7. Slow driving speeds (heavy traffic conditions) or prolonged idling, with high-amperage draw systems in use.
INSPECTION
The following information details the recommended inspection procedures for the battery and related components. In addition to the maintenance schedules found in this Owner's Manual, it is recommended that these procedures be performed any time the battery or related components must be removed for vehicle service.
1. Inspect the battery cable terminal clamps for damage. Replace any battery cable that has a damaged or deformed terminal clamp.
2. Inspect the battery tray and battery holddown hardware for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
3. Slide the thermal guard off of the battery case. Inspect the battery case for cracks or other damage that could result in electrolyte leaks. Also, check the battery terminal posts for looseness. Batteries with damaged cases or loose terminal posts must be replaced.
4. Inspect the battery thermal guard for tears, cracks, deformation or other damage. Replace any battery thermal guard that has been damaged.
5. Inspect the battery built-in test indicator sight glass for an indication of the battery condition. If the battery is discharged, charge as required. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery built-in indicator test procedures. Also refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery charging procedures.